Pijul Overiew For GhostBSD Users
by Vic Thacker
Using Pijul, a distributed version control system based on a theory of patches, involves several basic tasks that are similar to other version control systems but with some unique features. Here's a guide on how to get started and manage basic tasks:
Installation
First, you need to install Pijul. According to the official documentation from pijul.org:
• For Rust Users:
◦ Install rustup if not already installed to use cargo.
◦ Use cargo to install Pijul:
cargo install --git https://nest.pijul.com/pijul/pijul
• For Non-Rust Users:
◦ You can install from package managers like pkg for FreeBSD/GhostBSD or compile from source. For instance:
sudo pkg install pijul
Initializing a New Repository
• Navigate to your project directory and initialize a new Pijul repository:
pijul init
This creates a .pijul directory in your project.
Tracking Files
• To start tracking files:
pijul add <file_name>
Or to add all files in a directory:
pijul add --all
Creating a Patch (Committing Changes)
• Generate a key for your identity if you haven't done so:
pijul key generate <name>
• Record changes to create a patch:
pijul record
This command will open an editor where you can describe your changes. Each change is called a 'patch' in Pijul terminology.
Viewing Changes
• Check what changes are in your working copy that haven't been recorded:
pijul diff
Managing Branches (Channels in Pijul)
• Pijul uses 'channels' instead of branches. To create a new channel:
pijul channel new <channel_name>
• To switch to another channel:
pijul channel switch <channel_name>
Merging
• Merging in Pijul involves applying patches from one channel to another:
pijul apply <patch_name>
or if you want to pull from another repository:
pijul pull <remote>/<channel>
Pushing and Pulling Changes
• To share your work or get updates from another repository:
◦ Push:
pijul push <remote>/<channel>
◦ Pull:
pijul pull <remote>/<channel>
Resolving Conflicts
• When conflicts arise, Pijul shows them during the record or apply process. You can resolve conflicts by editing the files manually or using Pijul's conflict resolution interface.
Checking Repository Status
• To see the status of your repository:
pijul status
Additional Notes:
• Configuration: You can configure your identity in $HOME/.config/pijul/config.toml (GhostBSD) or equivalent for other OS, which helps in auto-filling author details during recording patches.
• Commutation: Pijul's patch theory allows for changes to commute, meaning patches can be applied in any order without changing the outcome, which simplifies workflows.
This overview should give you a good start with Pijul. Remember, Pijul is designed to make version control intuitive and less prone to common pitfalls of other systems, especially in terms of merge conflicts and history management.
